“The Life” Cel ebrat ing the a r ts, culture, a nd s us t a inabilit y o f t he H awa iia n I s l a n d s
Weddings and Special Occasions
Hawai‘i Island December 2014–May 2015
TURN YOUR BIG DAY DREAMS INTO A BIG ISLAND REALITY Whether you prefer an intimate white sand beach wedding or an authentic lū’au with 500 of your closest friends, we offer 20,000 sq. ft. of flexible space and a knowledgeable staff to help make your Hawaiian dream wedding a reality. From site selection to “I do,” we are with you every step of the way. Wedding packages are available from $1,500. Contact our on-site Wedding Coordinator to start planning today. Call 808-331-6332 or visit konabeachhotel.com
A Top 10 Wedding Worthy Hotel for Hawaiian Weddings on Any Budget - Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine Courtyard by Marriott® Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel 75-5660 Palani Road | Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Aloha from the Publisher
We are pleased to bring you more inspiring Hawai‘i Island stories in our second bi-annual Wedding and Special Occasion issue. Features include a story about the popular “Baby Lū‘au,” as well as potluck parties, eco-friendly décor, along with traditional Hawaiian wedding customs in English and Japanese. The advertisers in this issue are well qualified to answer all your questions about special occasion planning. Give them a call and thank them for bringing you this lovely keepsake of our beloved home, Hawai‘i Island. We’ve added a Resouce Directory with listings to help you find exactly what you’re looking for as you plan your special occasion. Like our first issue, we’ve mailed complimentary copies of this issue to travel agents and event planners in major cities in Washington, Oregon, California, plus Las Vegas, Nevada, and also to our worldwide subscribers (who already have a love affair with this island). We’ve also shipped boxes to several hula hālau in Japan. This magazine is also available in “flip-book” format on our website, so please share this with everyone you know. Hawai‘i Island is “da kine” place to get married or celebrate any special occasion! Me ke aloha pumehana (with warm aloha), Barbara Garcia, Publisher
Contents 5 Let Your Love Grow Include living floral and greenery in your wedding décor
INTIMATE. INFORMAL.
UNFORGETTABLE.
ASTON KONA BY THE SEA Let the soothing shores of Kailua-Kona be the backdrop for your wedding or reception. Enjoy on-site catering options, customized function space and personal wedding coordination services. Special group rates available.
866.774.2924 AstonKonaByTheSeaResort.com FINAL 861012 KBS Ke Ola Magazine Wedding Supplement 1/4 Pg, V, 4C, Non-Bleed, 3.5" x 4.75" (Dec 2014)
861012_KeOlaMagazineWeddingSupplement_12.14-ƒ.indd 1
11/12/14 3:49 PM
By Kathleen Akaka
11 Unusual Places to Get Married on Hawai‘i Island: Beaches What you need to know By Denise Laitinen
16 Resource Directory 18 Baby Lū‘au: First Birthday, Hawaiian Style By Leilehua Yuen
By Sonia R. Martinez
27 Traditional Hawaiian Weddings By Leilehua Yuen
32 Traditional Hawaiian Weddings in Japanese By Leilehua Yuen Translated by Yuko Ka‘iualoha Usui
34 A Royal Wedding By Leilehua Yuen
cover photo On location at Hilton Waikoloa Village Palace Garden, overlooking Waiulua Bay Photo courtesy Julie J. Eliason JewelImagesWeddings.com
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
22 Potlucks: Sharing Food with Aloha
3
“The Life” Celebra ting the a r ts, culture, a nd susta ina bilit y of the Hawa iia n Is la nd s
Winter/Spring 2015 • Ho‘oilo/Kupulau 2015
Publisher Barbara Garcia Bowman, 808.329.1711 x1, Barb@KeOlaMagazine.com
Editor, Production Manager
Renée Robinson, 808.896.3950, Renee@AWealthOf Wisdom.com
Advertising Sales, Business Development
Barbara Garcia, 808.345.2017, Barb@KeOlaMagazine.com Kathleen Akaka, 808.333.1457 Kathleen@KeOlaMagazine.com
Distribution, Subscriptions
Sharon Bowling, 808.557.8703, Subscribe@KeOlaMagazine.com
Creative Design
Michael Mark P., Creative Director, Mana Brand Marketing 808.345.0734, ManaBrandMarketing.com
Advertising Design
Stephanie Schreiber, 808.315.7182, alohadigitalarts@gmail.com
Proofreading
Sharon Bowling
Japanese Translation Yuko Ka‘iualoha Usui, Yokahama, Japan
Ambassadors
Eric Bowman • Fern Gavelek • WavenDean Fernandes
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
Ke Ola recognizes the use of the ‘okina [‘] or glottal stop, as one of the eight consonants of (modern) Hawaiian language; and the kahakō [ā] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawai‘i such as Hāna). Ke Ola respects the individual use of these markings for names of organizations and businesses.
4
Ke Ola is printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Ke Ola is a member of Hawai‘i Alliance for a Local Economy (HALE), supporting the “Think Local, Buy Local” initiative. Submit online at KeOlaMagazine.com (go to Contact menu) Editorial inquiries or story ideas Request advertising rates Ke Ola magazine’s regular bi-monthly issues which celebrate the arts, culture, and sustainability of Hawai‘i Island are available for reading on our website, in addition to ordering back issues and subscriptions. © 2014-2015, Ke Ola Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved
KeOlaMagazine.com
KeOlaMagazine.com Facebook.com/KeOlaMauiCounty LinkedIn.com/in/BarbGarcia Twitter.com/KeOlaMagazine
Photo courtesy Toby Hoogs
Let Your Love Grow
How to include living floral and greenery in your wedding décor
T
he floral décor can be enjoyed on your special day, and longer, by decorating with living flowers and plants. Using plants as décor at your wedding is sustainable and a great way to stay within your floral budget. You can plant them together ahead of time with your friends, family, or future spouse. Live plants can create great keepsakes for you and your spouse, your guests, and your family members that last for years. Everyone can plant them in their yards and display them fondly in their homes. Local greenhouses and nurseries can offer great ideas for
| By Kathleen Akaka
making container gardens. Some plants will be hardier and easier to grow than others. Container gardens come in all shapes and sizes. Be creative! Recycled glass, colored ceramic pots, large shells, terra cotta pots, decorative urns, hanging floral baskets just to name a few. These arrangements can be used in multiple locations for all the wedding festivities and will last longer than cut flowers as long as they are cared for. Remember to give them a lot of tender loving care and they will create memories for years to come. Investing in eco-friendly décor adds extended life to your wedding budget and a healthier environment when planted. Well cared for plants live a long time as a reminder of that special day.
Reception and gift area with custom-made surfboard for guest registration. Includes a live cymbidium orchid. photo courtesy Toby Hoogs Bride holding succulent flower bouquet photo © Crasck/istockphoto.com
Cannot be combined with other discounts
call 769-5212
open daily 10 am - 6 pm ♥ islandspiritspa.com MAE#2634
PUALANI TERRACE, KEALAKEKUA
BSH#4724
Here are some ideas for decorating with plants.
Ceremony
The ceremony site has great significance as it is the main backdrop of your wedding photos and vow exchange. Consider the beauty and colors of the location when choosing your live foliage. Hawai‘i has phenomenal natural scenery. Use your living floral décor to compliment that exotic beauty. To decorate at a church, you can place colorful potted plants at the entry, such as red crotons. Hang small, potted fuchsia plants with matching sheer fuchsia bows at the end of the pews.
photo © montana/depositphotos.com
Reception
Spearmint photo by Kathleen Akaka
Decorate the altar with glass container gardens or beautiful lauhala baskets overflowing with live orchid plants. Blooming flowers or foliage will compliment your natural background scenery and leave lasting memories for you and your guests. If you choose to use an archway, live plants can create the aisle. Embellish the top and sides of the arch with hanging baskets of long draping plants such as ivy, ferns, or string bean plants. Locally available, Areca palms are beautiful and come in different sizes to create a consistent design theme. These can be easily dressed up with lights, fabric, or ribbon ties. Large container gardens in a decorative urn add elegance to any ceremony site. “Lemon lime” dracaena mixed with colorful coleus leaves make a beautiful statement. Red Abyssinian banana plants make a stunning tropical display as well. You can even choose to decorate all white with white vinca, snow princess, or dusty miller plants.
Bridal Party
Bridal party floral may be a bit challenging to incorporate live floral. If you wish to use a live orchid or other foliage the roots can be tied up nicely by the florist so they can be planted in a pot or the ground after the wedding is over. I suggest using local, eco-friendly, organic cut flowers and maile for the bridal party.
After the ceremony your guests celebrate your marriage, seated at tables decorated with floral gardens that serve as centerpieces. These can be a large container garden or several smaller container gardens at each table. Mix in candles, glassware, bamboo plates, a wooden charger, and customized place cards to create a beautiful, memorable table display. You can create live floral arrangements that include anthuriums, white dendrobium, or cymbidium orchids. Terrarium or recycled glass planters can include succulents, herbs, small perennials, baby bushes, mums, or daisies. Planting these living gardens is a great activity shared by bridesmaids or other family members. The same plants that you use for the reception can also be used for the rehearsal dinner or other ‘ohana (family) functions. photo © feferoni/depositphotos.com
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015 photo Š Lisa Thornberg/istockphoto.com
8
Small potted plants labeled with a wooden stick or printed tag can be incorporated into functional items that designate table names, individual seating assignments, favors, and directions to the ceremony. Lavender, basil, or rosemary can add a beautiful scent to the table. As a gift to take home, your guests will be able to enjoy them for a long time. Larger container gardens can serve as the décor for the buffet table. Edible arrangements on the buffet such as herbs, chives or peppermint can add to the experience by allowing guests to garnish or season the cuisine with live plants.
Possible Plants
Tree Marigold
Cymbidium Orchid
In Hawai‘i plants are readily available and the many colors and varieties offer endless design possibilities. Matching your wedding colors with local plants can be simple with the help of a knowledgeable nursery owner or avid gardener.
Photos this page courtesy Forest and Kim Starr Cosmos
Hydrangea
Other seasonal living flower plants:
Rosemary
Dendrodium Orchid
When deciding on your flowers, choose local plants that will be in bloom at the time of your wedding. There may be plants in your yard or a neighbor’s yard that can be transplanted into a pot with dirt— be sure to give them some time to root.
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
Black Eyed Susan Cosmos Dahlia Gladiola Fuchsia Herbs Hydrangea Iris Jasmine Lavender Lily Lily of the Valley Marigold Nasturtium Protea Roses Snapdragon Stock Sunflower Veronica Water Hyacinth Zinnias
9
photo © trans961/depositphotos.com
Remember to nurture, water, and care for them, as in every loving life-cycle. Growing your love may be a process that continues on in your family for generations.
Destination Weddings
In Hawai‘i we host many destination weddings. Everything you create can be shipped home once it passes through the agricultural inspection process. Or you may want to donate the flowers and plants to local schools or organizations to beautify their environment. Gifting the officiant, the caterer, or anyone who provides services for your wedding spreads your aloha. Let your love grow—into your hearts! Contact photographer Toby Hoogs: TobyHoogs.com Contact writer Kathleen Akaka: kathleenakaka@hawaii.rr.com
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
Kaiolu Beach House, Kailua-Kona Photo courtesy Toby Hoogs
10
Unusual Places to Get Married on Hawai‘i Island: Beaches What you need to know
| By Denise Laitinen
Punalu‘u Beach photo © Brocken Inaglory/wikimedia.org
F
rom powdery white to tantalizing shades of green to dramatic black sand beaches, Hawai‘i Island’s 266 miles of shoreline offers breathtaking beach locations to hold your wedding ceremony. While many couples choose perennial favorites, such as Hāpuna Beach and ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay, there are several other, lesser-known beaches that can also provide a beautiful backdrop to your upcoming nuptials. In our last issue, Ke Ola offered an overview of unusual places to get married on Hawai‘i Island. In this issue, we take a look at Hawai‘i Island’s beaches off the beaten path that provide breathtaking scenery for a wedding and/or reception. While we don’t have room to mention every Hawai‘i Island beach this time, you will find a selection of sweet shoreline spots from Kohala to Ka‘ū that are affordable and beautiful sites for your wedding. We’ll cover east side beaches in a future issue.
Photo courtesy Rivera ‘ohana
11
It’s important to keep a few things in mind when choosing a beach as your wedding venue. Some beach parks have rocky terrain. If you have elderly or disabled guests, will they be able to reach the unusual location you selected? Also important to remember is that many places, such as state and county beach parks, are open to the public and cannot be closed for your exclusive use. Be prepared, there may be total strangers lounging right next to your ceremony. That said, Hawai‘i Island offers some of the most breathtaking and gorgeous beach settings you’ll find anywhere in the world. Let’s take a look.
North Kohala District: Kēōkea and Māhukona Located in North Kohala past Hawi and Kapa‘au, Kēōkea County Beach Park is a small cove surrounded by rocky sea cliffs.
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
Kēōkea Beach photo by Renée Robinson
12
Kēōkea Beach photo by Renée Robinson
Māhukona Beach photo courtesy Peter Krottje OneBreathKohala.wordpress.com
Kēōkea Beach photo by Renée Robinson
With a grassy knoll and full facilities, including a covered pavilion, this secluded spot is the perfect setting for an intimate wedding overlooking the ocean. Because the shoreline is strewn with lava rock instead of sand and the surf is rough, the oceanfront park is known for its privacy and beauty—not a traditional beach wedding. “It’s nice for couples that want to have a picturesque yet casual wedding,” says Peter Pomeranze, who has married eight couples at the beach park over the past few years. A chef and caterer by trade, he owns Sushi Rock in Hawi. Peter got his officiant’s license in order to marry close friends and clients. He says couples are drawn to the quiet seaside park because of its stark beauty. “It’s very dramatic. You’re surrounded by these tall sea cliffs with waves crashing in the background. A couple of times there has been a monk seal as a witness. It’s quite beautiful,” says Peter. The park works well for the ceremony and reception because it offers a lot of amenities, including a covered pavilion, barbeque grills, picnic tables, restrooms, and a kitchen with a refrigerator. “People can do an inexpensive reception there,” says Peter, noting that couples do need to reserve the location in advance through the Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Department. He adds that Māhukona Beach Park, located a few miles north of Kawaihae, is another popular beach park for wedding ceremonies in North Kohala. Like Kēōkea, Māhukona has a covered pavilion, restrooms, and a small kitchen.
North Kona: Kukio
Tucked in along the Kona Coast, away from the glitz and glamour of the resorts, is a small public beach that probably experiences more weddings than any other location on island. And yet, it is not widely known outside of wedding industry circles. Nestled within the ultra-luxe Kukio resort is Kikaua Point Park. When this upscale resort community was being built, the developers gave the seven-acre beach park to the State of Hawai‘i. Kukio Community Association leases back the property, managing and caring for the park. “It’s public access. Part of the agreement is that we do not charge for use of the park,” says Paola Pagan, Kukio Community Association manager.
Kikaua Point Park at Kukio photo by Renée Robinson
Kikaua Point Park at Kukio photo by Renée Robinson
Country Inn & Restaurant Since 1988
your wedding your honeymoon your anniversary
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
www.kilauealodge.com
14
808-967-7366
Kikaua Point Park at Kukio photo by Renée Robinson
Paola issues more than 350 wedding permits a year for this secluded, and stunningly beautiful, white sand beach. There is no fee for the permit. However, because the beach is so small, they only issue one permit at a time and each permit is typically for a three-hour period. This enables multiple weddings to be held at the beach on a daily basis. Because the beach is so popular, it’s recommended to reserve the day and time you want at least 30 days in advance. “Sunset is of course a popular time,” notes Paola. “We have weddings here just about every day, and of course, special days like Valentine’s Day, we have multiple weddings a day.” Be aware that if you want to get married at Kikaua Point Park, you’ll have to keep your guest list to a minimum. “We typically limit an event to 20 people,” says Paola. There are only 28 Drew Veek and Erica Long selfie on first date
parking stalls for the beach and once the stalls fill up, beach goers are turned away until parking becomes available. Couples interested in getting married at Kikaua Point Park can contact Paola Pagan at 808.325.4108. Permit applications are not available online.
Ka‘ū District: Punalu‘u
Along the Ka‘ū coast, off Highway 11 about an hour from Hilo and 40 minutes from Kailua-Kona, lies Punalu‘u, one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawai‘i. Lined with coconut palm trees and adjacent to a freshwater fishpond, Punalu‘u Beach Park is also a well-known nesting spot of honu or Hawaiian green sea turtles. With its jet-black sand providing a dramatic backdrop, it’s easy to see why it’s a popular, albeit remote, location for a wedding. What’s more, available amenities include a paved parking lot, covered picnic tables, barbeque grills, and restrooms.
Jase Takeya, owner of Eclipse Effect Weddings, a Hilo-based event planning company, says he receives several inquiries a year for that beach. “People seem to like it because it’s the nice black sand that you cannot get anywhere else.” While the natural beauty of the area draws some couples, others hold their wedding here for sentimental reasons. Kailua-Kona resident Erica Long and her fiancé Drew Veek had their first date at Punalu‘u beach more than two years ago. Originally from Los Angeles, Erica is a nurse at the Veterans Clinic and Drew is a TSA trainer. Erica says Drew took her sightseeing to the black sand beach for their very first date. It’s also where they had their engagement photo shoot. And it’s where the couple is holding their December wedding. “After Drew proposed we were figuring out where to have the wedding,” says Erica. “I remembered the black sand and turtles were there and the sand was beautiful. It hit me, I knew that’s where I wanted to get married.” On December 13, the couple is having their ceremony and reception at a small vacation rental that fronts the beach. “We chose that date because it’s fun,” alluding to the numeric progression of dates: 12/13/14. “We’ll have our ceremony and reception at the beach house.” The couple is keeping the daytime wedding vibe intimate and casual with about 30 friends and family and a catered plate lunch-style buffet. Erica’s oldest cat Sophia will serve as her bridesmaid. If you want to use the beach park facilities at Punalu‘u Beach Park, a permit is required from Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Department. For information on the beach cottage, contact Jim Dahlberg at jim@jdahlberg.com.
Puna District: Kaimū
Punalu‘u Beach Erica Long and Drew Veek photo courtesy Jessica Pentland
Lesser known than Punalu‘u, Kaimū Beach is also a black sand beach nestled along the Kalapana coast in the Puna district off Highway 130. Also known as new Kalapana Beach, this beach is next to the community that was covered by lava in the 1990s. Off the beaten track and not widely known outside of the Puna district, the beach is home to several weddings a year according to the Keli‘iho‘omalu family, who own property adjoining the beach. It’s important to note that it is a rigorous walk to the beach, which may be difficult for people with disabilities or the elderly. Kara Rivera got married at Kaimū Beach last year. Like Erica, she chose this wedding location because it was where she met her future husband. Kara has a therapeutic massage kiosk at Uncle Robert’s
Erica Long and Drew Veek photo courtesy Jessica Pentland
Kara and Herbie’s wedding procession to Kaimū beach
Kara and Herbie’s reception at Uncle Roberts Awa Club
Kara and Herbie at Kaimū Beach
club. She met her husband, Herbie Rivera, a retired carpenter, by chance one night at Uncle Robert’s Awa Club. Herbie had not planned on going to the club that night, but did so at the last minute on a whim. He was talking to a mutual friend who had just received a massage from Kara and the mutual friend introduced the two. Both were recently divorced with children and grandchildren of their own. “We met on a Friday and our first date was the following Monday. We’ve been inseparable ever since,” says Kara. Kara says the decision to hold the wedding at Kaimū Beach was an easy one, since it was the same area where they met. They had originally planned on having the ceremony at the remote hiking location where Herbie proposed. When they realized that wasn’t feasible, Kara, with the help of one of Uncle Robert’s daughters, Lohi Keli‘iho‘omalu, planned the
entire event in two weeks at Kaimū Beach with the reception at Uncle Robert’s Awa Club. Friends and family pitched in to help. “If it wasn’t for Lohi, I would have been a total bridezilla,” says Kara with a laugh. In all, roughly 100 joined them on the small beach for the ceremony; her husband had 22 groomsmen and she had 11 bridesmaids. Kara says there were roughly 400 people at the reception at Uncle Robert’s Awa Club, which featured a buffet and a vegan wedding cake from the Tin Shack Bakery in Pāhoa. If you want to get married at this beach you will want to check first with the Keli‘iho‘omalu family: 808.430.3526 ❖ Read about more unusual places in our Summer/Fall 2015 issue. Contact writer Denise Laitinen: Denise@DeniseLaitinen.com
Resource Directory KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
Accommodations
16
Dragonfly Ranch 808.328.2159 dragonflyranch.com Honeymoon suite has ocean view, luxurious outdoor bed, and mirrored canopy. Hale Moana Bed & Breakfast 808.965.7015 Bnb-Aloha.com Aloha honeymooners! Be nurtured by our warm island Hospitality. Kīlauea Lodge Country Inn & Restaurant 808.967.7366 KilaueaLodge.com Celebrate here! Your wedding, your honeymoon, your anniversary. Shipman House Bed & Breakfast 808.934.8002 Hilo-Hawaii.com One of the most romantic places in Hawai‘i.
Attire Attractions Bridal and Formalwear 808.326.1113 AttractionsHawaii.com Formal gowns and tuxedos for special occasions in Hawai‘i.
Paradise Found Boutique 808.322.2111 Kainaliu Village 808.324.1177 Keauhou Shopping Center Celebrating 40 years of woman’s fashion on Hawai‘i Island, we are here to dress you.
Beauty and Health Island Spirit Healing Center & Day Spa 808.769.5212 IslandSpiritSpa.com Celebrate your special day. Kalona Salon & Spa 808.322.9373 KalonaSpa.com Hair, makeup, and manicure wedding packages. Mamalahoa Hot Tubs & Massage 808.323.2288 Mamalahoa-HotTubs.com Make your honeymoon as romantic and relaxing as it is unforgettable.
Catering Volcano Winery 877.967.7772 VolcanoWinery.com Island-made wine and estate tea for your reception.
Ceremony and Reception Anna Ranch Heritage Center 808.885.4426 AnnaRanch.org Nestled amongst the hills of Waimea sits a very special place. Aston Kona by the Sea 866.774.2924 AstonKonaByTheSeaResort.com Intimate. Informal. Unforgettable. Courtyard King Kamehamehaʻs Kona Beach Hotel 808.331.6332 KonaBeachHotel.com Beach front historic site, recently renovated. Perfect for weddings and special events. Dragonfly Ranch 808.328.2159 dragonflyranch.com Packages include beach or garden weddings and vow renewals. Hale Wailele 808.339.1550 HaleWailele.com Private paradise for your wedding in a one-of-a-kind location.
Hawaii Island Retreat 808.889.6336 HawaiiIslandRetreat.com A green destination spa and boutique wellness retreat. Holuakoa Gardens and Café 808.322.5072 HoluakoaCafe.com A lush garden setting for private parties and special events. Volcano Garden Arts 808.985.8979 AWeddingingOnTheVolcano.com Pure poetry awaits you for your most special day.
Design and Décor Viridessence 808.331.1457 Kathleen Akaka Eco-friendly wedding design and décor.
Favors and Gifts Hawaii’s Gift Basket Boutique 808.886.8000 HawaiisGiftBaskets.com Island-made products for gifts and favors.
Wiki Permits for beach weddings: DLNR.ehawaii.gov/permits/welcome.html The website offers live help during weekday business hours (HST). For possible suggestions about how to proceed given your type of event: 808.587.0439 Wiki permits from DLNR are required for weddings at the following beaches: ‘Anaeho‘omalu (aka Waikoloa Beach) Hakalau Bay Beach Hāpuna Beach (fronting State Recreation Area) Holoholokai Beach Hōlualoa Beach Kaimū Beach (aka New Kalapana Beach) Kahalu‘u Beach Kauna‘oa Beach Ka‘upulehu Beach Ke‘ei Beach Kikaua Point Beach Kukio Beach Mahai‘ula Bay Beach Makaiwa Bay Beach Manini‘owali Beach (aka Kua Bay) Mauna Lani Beach Mau‘umae Beach Pauoa Bay Beach Pahoehoe Beach Park (fronting Ali‘i Drive) Puako Bay (fronting residence) Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Spencer Beach Waialea Beach DLNR.hawaii.gov/ld/commercial-activities
New Beach on Kaimu Bay photo public domain/wikimedia.org
Permit request for a wedding in a state park: Division of State Parks, 75 Aupuni St., Hilo, HI 96720 808.587.0300 For a list of all 14 state parks on-island: HawaiiStateParks.org/parks/hawaii Permit request for a wedding at: County park or community center: Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Hilo office, 808.961.8311 Kailua-Kona office, 808.323.4322 Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: For more information contact Walt Poole: 808.985.6027 Download the application: Nps.gov/havo/parkmgmt/weddings.htm Mail the completed form to: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Attn: Walt Poole, PO Box 52 Hawaii National Park, HI 96718
Resource Directory Kalehua Coffee Company 808.896.9890 KalehuaCoffeeCompany.com Custom labels on 100% Kona Coffee packages for your wedding favors.
Ainahua Florals 808.885.4045 AinahuaFlorals.com Farm fresh flowers and lei for every occasion. Qina Girl Floral 808.322.2228 Facebook.com/QinaGirlFloral All occasion flowers, locally owned and featuring island tropical. Sunrise Nursery 808.329.7593 SunriseNurseryKona.com Eco-friendly décor for your special events.
Honeymoon Accommodations Onion House Kailua-Kona, HI OnionHouseHawaii.com Honeymoon in a work of art. McCormick Spice family home.
Dolphin Journeys 808.329.3030 DolphinJourneys.com Honeymooners welcome! Dolphin excursions, gift registry, private charters. Kona Boys 808.328.1234 KonaBoys.com Kealakekua Bay kayak tours, historic Hawaiian canoe charters, paddleboard lessons and tours.
Jewelry Designs by Shirley 808.276.3811 DesignsByShirleyHawaii.com 14 Kt gold and sterling silver jewelry. Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry 808.959.1490 Prince Kuhio Plaza Creating custom Hawaiian jewelry in gold, silver, and diamonds. Lehua Jewelers 808.885.6448 LehuaJewelers.com Heirloom quality jewelry for the bride and groom.
Mountain Gold Jewelers 808.882.4653 MtGold.com Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, special occasions.
Live Entertainment Eclipse Effect Entertainment 808.936.3552 EclipseEffect.com DJ, MC, sound, and lighting services, specialing in elegant weddings. Greg Shirley Guitarist 808.989.5577 jazzygreg@earthlink.net Classical, Latin, and contemporary reception bands. Dennis Garcia 808.896.9029 BigIsleSmile.com More than 300 songs from traditional to contempory. Leche De Tigre lechedetigremusic@gmail.com LDTBand.com Funky “Kona Based” Latin Gypsy six piece movin’ dance band!
Shawn “Kalima” Cantor 808.937.0141 KalimaMusic808.com Soulful Hawaiian music for all occasions.
Mobile DJ Ed Geer’s Force Enterprises-Mobile DJ CO. 808.323.9696 edgeersforce@gmail.com 20 years of experience to help you make your event flow smoothly and effortlessly. Vintage Vinyl Located in Old Kainaliu Town 808.938.8327 Danny Taylor Live R&B, Soul, and Blues music. Sound system and vinyl record D.J. services also available.
List continues on page 21
To be listed in the next issue, contact Sharon 808.329.1711 x4 Sharon@KeOlaMagazine.com
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
Florists and Nurseries
Honeymoon Adventures
17
Baby Lū‘au: First Birthday, Hawaiian Style
O
ften the first “local” party new island residents attend is the “baby lū‘au.” I know, because I get a lot of emails and Facebook messages along the lines of, “I just got invited to something called a ‘baby lū‘au.’ What is it, and do I need to take a gift? What kind of gift? Is it formal? How should I dress?”
Short Answer
It’s a baby’s first birthday party. Yes, take a gift. Cash or check in a nice card remains the most commonly given makana (gift, present). How much is up to you—a good guide is to think of what you would spend to buy a gift, and give that amount. To make sure I’m not totally out-of-date, I asked a good number of my friends what is considered appropriate these days. “Money” was the unanimous answer as a first choice. Lei for the parents was also mentioned. One friend pointed out that lei are nice if the parents have a lot of help and can enjoy their lei. However, if the parents don’t have much help, and will be working hard, then the lei will have to be set aside.
18
| By Leilehua Yuen
Kōkua also was a gift suggestion—show up and help out. Making lei for special guests such as the kahu, doctor, godparents, and such might be greatly appreciated. It’s perfectly fine to ask the parents or other family members who are involved in planning. Generally, a baby lū‘au is not very formal. It is often held outdoors and at a park so the children can play. If in doubt, show up in your party clothes and have a change, plus towel, in your car, especially if it is at a beach park.
Long Answer
A baby lū‘au is an ‘aha‘aina, a feast, held to celebrate a child’s first birthday. It may have its origins in the ‘aha‘aina ukuhi, the weaning feast. In the ‘aha‘aina ukuhi, certain foods or objects would be placed in front of the child—the specifics depend on the family. After prayers, the officiant then questions the child, asking if the little one is ready to give up the milk. The mother, acting as proxy, answers on baby’s behalf. If the child reaches for the food or object, then the ceremony is successful and a feast is held. If the child is uninterested in the food or objects, the child is not ready for weaning, and the ceremony has failed. It must be tried again later.
Another ceremony which might happen along with the ‘aha‘aina ukuhi is one in which a number of items, such as fishing tackle, kapa beaters, and an adz are placed in front of the child. Today items such as carpenters’ tools, cooking sets, and other toys might be used. The family watches to see what attracts the child as a way to predict the baby’s future career. Ceremonial foods used in the ‘aha‘aina ukuhi include bananas and chicken, and these can be found at baby lū‘au today. Whether they are a holdover, or served simply because they taste really good—that answer lies with the individual ‘ohana. Serving special foods to celebrate a child’s first year is a global tradition. Not all that long ago, many children around the world did not survive their first year. In some societies, a child did not even get a “real” name until the first birthday. A child who survived that first critical year was likely to grow into adulthood. So it truly was an event to celebrate! As people of different cultures joined our island community, they brought their own traditions. In China, a child’s first birthday, zhuazhou, is one of the most important traditional customs. The Chinese parents also will seek to predict the child’s future by placing tools and other objects within reach and watching to see what attracts the child. Long noodles, symbolizing long life, will be served at the meal. So many Hawaiian families include Chinese heritage, maybe that is one reason chicken long-rice is such a popular dish at a baby lū‘au. Or, again, maybe it just tastes good! When I was a girl, many Hilo baby lū‘au were held at Wailoa Park. Each ‘ohana has its own traditions, of course, however the baby lū‘au I remember attending generally followed this plan: The “set-up crew” would arrive first thing in the morning and clean the large pavilion. The nearby grill and the inside grills were brushed and swept. The inside grill would be where the auntys would work, and the chicken lū‘au, laulau, Portuguese bean soup, chicken long-rice, and other such items would be kept hot. The outside grill was where the men would pūlehu (grill) fish, pork, and beef ribs. In those days, many people Notice the ti leaf table “cloth” at this pā‘ina
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
would catch a pig or buy a calf right after the baby was born and fatten the animal just for the baby lū‘au. The Hawai‘i Tribune Herald used to sell the ends of the newsprint rolls, and one or two would be bought to cover the tables. In my recollection, that was a favorite job for youngsters. First, unroll enough of the newsprint to wrap one end of the long table. Thumbtack the end securely in place. Give the roll a shove! The idea The calabash on the makana table, along with the cake! was to see how far it would go before you needed to steer it straight again. Great fun when all went well, and a fast way to cover the tables. And, if the newsprint fell to the ground. . . well, best not to go there. Down the center of the table, on top of the newsprint, ti leaves, monstera, and other beautiful greens would be laid. On those, flowers would be scattered. Fluffy hibiscus, brilliant anthurium, and fragrant plumeria, heads of bright red, sweet white, and yellow ginger added color. And, nestled among the foliage, bottle after bottle of jelly-bean colored soda from the Hilo Soda Works. Recently, while cleaning the yard, I found one of their old bottles. So many memories! Someone would have brought buckets, Spic-n-Span cleaner, and old rags. It was the job of those whose hands were level with the benches to scrub them. How embarassing if some guests had soiled clothing from sitting on a dirty bench! By the time everything was clean, the people with the coolers were starting to arrive. Some coolers were lined with towels because they held the hot foods. The coolers were staged near where their contents would be cooked, warmed, or served. And such food! ‘Opihi, ‘a‘ama, ‘ama‘ama, and every reef fish imaginable. Lomi salmon, laulau, sweet potato, poi. Pork blood, kalua pig, pipi kaula, rice. Ake, ‘ōpelu, and aku belly. Portuguese sweet bread, and rice. The aroma from the huge cooking pots filled the park, and the tang of kiawe smoke announced more to come! At some point the guest of honor and his or her mother would arrive dressed up in a tiny aloha shirt or mu‘umu‘u, carried in by Mom or Grandma—usually fast asleep and helped with the final
19
preparations. Dad generally already had been there from the start. Early-arrival guests soon followed, and some older girls would pair up and sit at the gift table. This table, too, was decorated with foliage. A beautiful ‘umeke or calabash, adorned with lei, held pride of place. Cards, with some cash tucked inside, began to fill it. Lei were brought for the parents, and sometimes the grandparents. If the parents were working hard at cooking and caring for their guests, the lei were draped on the table for all to admire. As more cars rolled into the parking lot, gallon-sized coffee cans were set out on the edges of the path and along the river bank. Some children were set the task of dropping a roll of toilet paper into each one, and a teenage boy or a man
Located above Costco, Inside Wave Salon
followed, pouring kerosene over the rolls. A strange site in the day. At dusk, as the final guests arrived, the cans were lit and someone tuned a guitar. A bass followed suit, and more guitars and ‘ukulele. The uncles and auntys began to sing and the park became a musical wonderland, filled with the warmth of laughter, firelight, and dancing shadows. With all gathered together, the parents, baby, and grandparents were called to the stage, along with the parentsʻ kahu who married them. “E pule kākou!” and the kahu led the prayer. The party had officially begun! People took turns playing music and singing, and all the girls and some of the boys were expected to dance hula. As the evening wore on, the auntys and uncles also danced. A futon would be placed near the gift table and the smaller children curled up on it with treats, books, or some small toy, and began to drift off Leilehua Yuen and the guest of honor, to sleep. her daughter Jessica-Anne Lehua
MENTION THIS AD and receive
$10 off
your skincare treatment
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
If it's not natural, it's not at Kohana ili!
20
Specializing in customized, all-natural skincare treatments for women, men, & teens
Brazilian waxes hurt... Less at Kohana ili! We are proud to use Se-Brazil all-natural coco hard wax. Providing you with a clean, safe, and confidential environment.
Skin feeling rough? Does your skin lack that luster? WE NOW OFFER CRYSTAL AND DIAMOND TIP MICRODERMABRASION! Microdermabrasion addresses concerns such as: fine lines and wrinkles, acne, acne scars, dark spots, enlarged pores, blackheads, and more. Mention this ad and receive your first treatment at $50 , saving you $25!
Gift Certificates Make Great Gifts!
30, 60, and 90 minute facial treatments available Mariana Garcia - Licensed Esthetician 73-5618 Maiau Street, Suite B101 Kailua Kona, HI 96740 Schedule Online! www.kohanailiskincare.com
808-345-2023
Getting ready for the pā‘ina
At last the lū‘au wound down. The tired parents were sent home, and the ‘ohana and close friends cleaned and put everything away. Remaining food was packed up and sent home with everyone who was still there. The kerosene “torches” had burned out and cooled, and could safely have their lids snapped back on and be put in the bed of someone’s truck. A new member of the community had been properly welcomed. ❖ Contact writer Leilehua Yuen: Leileihua@Lei Manu.com Resources Green and Beckwith; Hawaiian Customs; Onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1525/aa.1924.26.2.02a00060/pdf Handy and Pukui; The Polynesian Family System in Ka‘u, Hawai‘i
Kalua pig, old school!
Hawaiian Parties—What’s in a Name? ‘Aha‘aina—Feast, dinner party, banquet ‘Aha‘aina pālala—Feast given to celebrate a child ‘Aha‘aina ukuhi—weaning feast ‘Aipo‘olā—Feast given to celebrate the completion of a task, such as building a house Ho‘olaule‘a—Large festival Lū‘au—Informal term for ‘aha‘aina, coined in 1856 by the newspaper, Pacific Commercial Advertiser. It refers to lū‘au, a dish of cooked young taro greens, a defining food at a Hawaiian feast. Pā‘ina—Small party or gathering.
Resource Directory Officiant
Reverand Libby Tao Kelson-Fulcher, D.D. 808.322.3322 WeddingsAlaHeart.com Weddings, Jewish weddings, gay weddings, vow renewals, baby blessings Reverend Patrick Thompson 808.322.3116 RevPatrick.com Ceremonies with aloha. Vows in Hawaii 808.443.4486 VowsInHawaii.com Beach wedding ceremonies and vow renewals in West Hawai‘i. Packages available.
Wedding Ceremonies Etc 808.384.4291 WeddingCeremoniesEtc.com Rev. Rick Kleit performs romantic weddings and vow renewal ceremonies on Kona's beautiful beaches.
Photography Aloha Photographics 808.329.2666 AlohaPhotographics.com Excellent quality and value photographing Hawai‘i’s finest events for 25+ years! Bridget Kaleki 808.989.0119 BridgetKaleki.com Photography for the essence of life. Wedding and portraiture.
Sarah Anderson Photography 808.987.9076 SarahAndersonHawaii.com Every wedding has a story–what is yours?
Transportation and Travel Adventurous Limousine Service 808.960.0346 AdventurousLimo.com Ultimate service and professionalism.
Unique Services (Other) Aloha Kona Kids 808.329.3621 AlohaKonaKids.com/rentals Baby equipment rental for all the comforts of home.
Jewel Images by Julie J Eliason 808.987.4171 JewelImagesWeddings.com You make the moments, we tell the story.
Rainbow Properties 808.885.1229 RainbowProperties.com Your path to the end of the rainbow in paradise.
Reed Takaaze Photography 808.961.0001 ReedTaka.com Creative, thrilling, and captivating images of your special day.
Thalia Naidu, RS, Century 21 All Islands 808.938.5881 HawaiiMoves.com Looking for your future Hawai‘i Island home? Integrity—Service—Aloha!
Videography First Class Wedding Videos 808.756.2807 FirstClassWeddingVideos.com Customized DVD of your ceremony, reception, or event.
Wedding Cake Cakes by Korie at Mahina Café 808.323.3200 mahinacafe@yahoo.com Create your custom design.
Wedding Planning Big Island Parties 808.333.4774 BigIslandParties.com All your party and event needs— music, catering, and more!
To be listed in the next issue, contact Sharon 808.329.1711 x4 Sharon@KeOlaMagazine.com
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
Intimate Hawaiian Nuptials 808.895.4181 HawaiiWeddingAdventures.com Destination and adventure weddings, vow renewals, event planners, ceremony, and reception packages
21
Ahi poke and crab on ice Homemade taro chips in wooden bowl
Tostones and pineapple salsa
Raspberry Trifle
Potlucks: Sharing Food with Aloha
M
| By Sonia R. Martinez
ost everyone knows the common uses of the word aloha can mean “Hello, Goodbye, and Love.” Many malihini (new residents) or visitors to our shores do not understand the deeper meaning.
Memorial Day at Wailoa State Park
If you simply look within the root words that make up Aloha you find: Alo—sharing, in the present, joyous affection, joy ha—life, breath, life energy By breaking it down, it literally translates to “The joyful sharing of life energy in the present” or shortened to “Joyfully sharing life.” What can be more joyful than sharing life and food with friends to celebrate any milestone, holiday, celebration, or just because? In Hawai‘i, as in my native Cuba, food is an important part of most gatherings and in Hawai‘i potlucks are an especially popular way of entertaining. In our islands, it is not unusual to have many relatives in one family who are of several ethnic backgrounds, so within
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
one family you could have anywhere from two to six or more ethnicities—this makes for exciting culinary adventures. The sharing of food helps break down any barriers that might arise from our different ethnic backgrounds—whether a wedding reception, a family celebration, a birthday, a get together with friends and neighbors, refreshments served during a business meeting or a church social. I have often said, “To attend a potluck party in the islands is like being on the receiving end of an international culinary Raspberry Trifle education!” The abundance and variety of exotic fruits and vegetables found growing on our islands and the diversity in ethnic cuisines makes for an exciting fusion style of cooking, which we have made uniquely our own. I think of our islands as the breadbasket of the Pacific with our year-round growing conditions, different altitudes and climates, plus the diversity of farmers that can provide the wide range of produce and products to meet the needs of this still emerging and exciting cuisine. A few years ago a new friend summed it up beautifully, “If we could just beam up [our island] to the United Nations [we could] show them how we live and share each other’s customs and foods, we could teach the world how to live in peace.” She went on to say, “[Ethnic] food is more than a type of food, it is about tribal roots, identity, and celebrating the generations past. The recipes of the past and what they symbolize can become the recipes of today and tomorrow.” Sounds like the formula for sustainable Hawaiian cuisine to me and the binding for a true sharing of life with joy and food! For years our group of friends has celebrated potlucks as a
23
Soniaʻs 75 Birthday Lū‘au: in foreground Robert Emery, Robert Van Sluis, Linda Kane, and Mike Hubble
Mother’s Day Picnic at Onekahakaha Beach Park Mother’s Day Picnic at Onekahakaha Beach Park
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
From far left:Anthony Mathis, Mike Hubbell, Liz Cannon Hubbell, Kerry Hubbell, David Meeker, Lori Hubbell Meeker, and Acacia Meeker
24
Catʻs Tea
way to maintain close ties. Through happy times and sad times, we have celebrated life together for birthdays, to welcome new friends, and as farewells to friends facing the end of life. This is truly sharing a joyful life in the present and building memories for the future. Potlucks are so ingrained into our island style of entertaining that the first thing anyone asks when invited to a party is, “What can I bring?” It amazes me that no matter how many potlucks I host or attend, there is always a good balance of foods. So far I haven’t attended one where everyone brought only desserts—and I can always dream.
Potluck Protocol
firstclassweddingvideos.com
808-756-2807
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
The best way to participate and enjoy attending a potluck in the islands is to serve ourselves little bits of everything to taste. And just in case Aunty Lehualani who made the huli-huli chicken with the poi side dish is sitting next to you on one side and Uncle Yoshimura who brought the Miso Yaki Salmon is on your other side, you must eat the little bits you served yourself, whether you like any of it or not. After you finished your “tasting” then it is safe to go back for seconds of what you really like—if there is any left! At a recent potluck, one of our friends who is of Italian descent, brought an outstandingly beautiful and delicious dish. Everyone was taking photos of this eye-catching contribution to our overall delicious meal at Kolekole Beach Park. Enjoy!
25
Grilled Polenta with Roasted Bell Peppers and Olives 9 C chicken stock 3 C polenta (Bob’s Red Mill) 3 T unsalted butter ½ C Parmigiano, freshly grated Salt and pepper, to taste (optional) 2 T olive oil (separated)
Pour the chicken stock in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat; slowly, add the polenta, stirring constantly with a whisk. Reduce heat to low. Continue cooking and whisking for five minutes or until the consistency is creamy (like grits or porridge). Gradually add the butter and the freshly grated Parmigiano. Check taste and season with salt and pepper, if needed. Oil a springform pan with one tablespoon olive oil. Pour the polenta mixture into the oiled springform pan. Allow to cool; cover or wrap and place in the fridge to set for at least an hour, or overnight. Cut the polenta ‘cake’ into wedges. Line a cookie sheet or jellyroll pan with parchment and place the wedges on it, coating the other sides with the rest of the oil. Place under broiler for about three minutes or until slightly golden and crispy, then turn carefully to finish broiling on the other side. Note: if you prefer, use a 9x13 baking pan and cut into squares to serve.
Grilled Polenta with Roasted Bell Peppers and Olives and the other potluck foods— Letʻs eat!
1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper, roasted, seeds removed, and thinly sliced 12 cherry tomatoes, cut in half and roasted ½ C small black olives 2 C arugula leaves Balsamic vinegar, to drizzle To serve, place a wedge of broiled polenta on each plate, top with slices of roasted bell peppers, roasted tomato halves, a few olives and arugula leaves in a pleasing pattern. Drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar. Yield: Six regular servings or up to 12, if sliced thinner to serve as pūpū (appetizer). Source: Joyce Foley, Hilo ❖ Contact writer Sonia Martinez: SoniaTastesHawaii.com
Grilled Polenta with Roasted Bell Peppers and Olives
Traditional Hawaiian Weddings | By Leilehua Yuen
photo courtesy Robert Malovic Photography
oday’s beautiful and romantic Hawaiian weddings are a blend of traditions from many cultures, and often incorporate unique personal elements created by the bride and groom for their special day. Our modern weddings draw on traditions from Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and, of course, Polynesia. As an officiant, I have been asked to help couples craft ceremonies which honor their blended backgrounds. I have helped couples design their ceremony which juxtaposed dancing flames and reflecting water, Hawaiian ho‘āo and Shinto sake ritual, Mexican lazo, and Hawaiian lei. While the Hawaiian Islands are synonymous with romance, and many of our ancient tales are based on, or at least liberally seasoned with, seduction and romantic intrigue, marriage as it is known in the Western world did not enter the Hawaiian culture until after 1820. In ancient times, there was no ceremony comparable to the modern wedding. What we think of today as marriage did not exist. There was no government licensing, no legal requirement, and no divorce. There was no expectation that one man and
one woman would “forsake all others and cleave unto” each other for their entire lives. Higher-ranking chiefs practiced polygamy and polyandry, and both men and women were free to change partners for any or no reason. If a couple decided that their relationship was no longer productive, they simply parted ways. As children were reared by the entire extended family, there was little, if any, disruption in the life of the youngsters. The maka‘āinana, the landsmen, or common people, had traditions which varied from island to island, district to district, and family to family. “Marriage” could be as simple as deciding to share a sleeping mat and starting a family, or as elaborate as the two families getting together, exchanging gifts, and hosting an ‘aha‘aina, a feast, to celebrate. Today, we know these kinds of common-law marriages as nohopū. Lacking an expectation of attachment, jealousy was rare. It did, however, exist, and was notable enough to provide the core of the conflict in several of the great Hawaiian romance epics, such as that of Lu‘ukia, or the story of Kahalaopuna. Of course, there were individuals who had life-long romantic attachments
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
T
27
with each other, and these relationships also are treated in song and story. The romances of ‘Ōhi‘a and Lehua, and of ‘Umi and Kulamea come immediately to mind.
Courtship
While each family is different, a typical courtship might begin with the young man taking choice fish from his catch, or beautiful vegetables from his farm, to the girl’s family. He might begin spending more time helping the men of her family with their daily tasks. If they enjoyed his company, he might stay and help prepare the imu, then remain to eat. At last, he would cease going to his own home, and simply remain as part of the household of his sweetheart. Their relationship would be looked on as a natural part of the evolution of the family. Probably the most famous form of courtship among traditional Hawaiians is playing the ‘ohe hano ihu, the nose flute. Young men would fashion a flute from the local thin-walled bamboo, Schizostachyum glaucifolium, and compose a melody unique to themselves. They would play this melody for that special someone, who would recognize it as composed for herself, alone. Sometimes, the young lady would craft a nose flute for herself, and they would play duets, or play in a call-andresponse fashion. Other stories talk about sweethearts crafting lei, not only for their beloved, more importantly for the grandparents of their intended. After all, as the kūpuna say, “If you’re in with the grandparents, you’re in!” Surfing also played a role in courtship, and several of the celebrated romances in Hawaiian history and legend hinge on surfing contests. Men and women both enjoyed, and continue
Ring Blessing photo courtesy Intimate Hawaiian Nuptials
to enjoy, displaying their skill in riding the waves, body surfing, board surfing, and canoe surfing. In the romance of Kelea, the surfing chiefess of Maui, her skill at surfing draws the attention of Lolale, chief of O‘ahu. Though he is not a surfer, and prefers the cool uplands to the seashore, they marry, then eventually she leaves him to be with his surfer cousin, Kalamakua. On occasion, exceptionally high-ranking children would be paired with each other from infancy, if a kahuna skilled in the family genealogies determined that it would be an auspicious match. In general, though family might have hopes and make suggestions, as long as the chiefs provided children of sufficient mana, choice in liaisons was the prerogative of the individuals. Same-sex relationships were also common. High Chief Līloa of Waipi‘o Valley had an male paramour, as well as an official “wife,” the mother of his highest ranking child, and a liaison with another woman which produced his more famed son, ‘Umi, who became an ancestor of Kamehameha Pai‘ea. Interpretations of some stories indicate that his wife had her own hale, and Līloa lived with his paramour until the chief’s peaceful passing in old age.
Marriage Ceremony
Royalty might have more elaborate ceremony when pairing off, yet it was not intended to consecrate the unity of the couple. The ceremony was to ask the blessing of the gods on the children of the royal pair, to assure that these offspring were born with perfect bodies and minds, and great mana, or spiritual power.
photo courtesy Robert Malovic Photography
photo courtesy Robert Malovic Photography
The Modern Hawaiian Wedding
After the introduction of Christianity in 1820, people began to “male.” This Christian style wedding was adopted by many families and eventually became the legal form. The term is simply transliterated from the English word “marry.” Spelled in Hawaiian, which has no written “r,” and must end in a vowel, the word become “male” pronounced (MAH-lay). The early Christian-style marriages were as austere as the
Calvinist Missionaries who brought the ceremony. Records of some of these marriages can be found starting around 1826. A typical wedding might take place at the end of a regular church service. The minister, the couple, and two witnesses would stand at the door of the church and make their vows before the congregation. Afterwards, the minister would scribe the marriage into the church records, with the couple and witnesses signing. The main change at this time was not the outward form of the wedding ceremony; it was that the focus was now on the couple as a unit, “one flesh,” rather than as a channel to provide children of mana for the community. As time went on, the ceremony became more elaborate, especially after the Hawaiian royalty began to travel to Europe and join the Anglican Church. By the heyday of the Hawaiian monarchy, in the mid to late 1800s, weddings of royals and highly placed families rivaled the pomp and splendor of any European fête. After the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, weddings again became more simple affairs. Then, with the Territorial Era, Hawai‘i was marketed by companies such as Matson and Pan Am as a romantic destination for honeymoons. Local families again celebrated lavishly, often beginning to save for a daughter’s wedding at her birth. The baby lū‘au, a major production in its own right, is only a foreshadowing of the wedding pā‘ina. When Bing Crosby starred in Waikiki Wedding in 1937 and sang Blue Hawai‘i, and later in 1961 when Elvis Presley created a remake and named the film Blue Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i’s role as a wedding destination was set. An entire industry began to build around creating “dream weddings” and honeymoons.
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
These ho‘āo ceremonies varied according to locale and family, and could be as simple as the royal couple being escorted to their new sleeping hale (house) and wrapped together in a sheet of pure white kapa with their family priests and chanters offering prayer and song for the union and offspring, to elaborate ceremonies of several days length involving exchange of ceremonial gifts, participation of the courts’ priests and chanters, relatives, and interested parties, and the preparation of much food at a great ‘aha‘aina. In some ‘ohana (families), a new hale would be built for the couple in which to conceive a child. This would prevent the possibility of any negative mana from previous uses of the building affecting the child. New kapa would wrap the couple, and new dishes held their food, for the same reasons. Sometimes, if a family heirloom such as a great-grandmother’s moena (sleeping mat) had seen the birth of many children of great mana, that might be used so that its mana would be added to the conception. All parts of the ceremony were focused toward giving the children-to-be the greatest mana possible, for their health and success was the health and success of the entire community.
29
Weddings Today
As the different ethnic groups came to settle in our islands, people brought their customs from their homelands. As people met and intermarried, they shared their customs. Today, brides and grooms often select traditions from their ethnic backgrounds and from their life experiences, then blend them together to create beautiful and unique ceremonies that are especially meaningful for them. When I am asked “Is this okay?” or “Do you think I should?” I tell the couple, “Your wedding marks the beginning of your lives together. You will remember this day for the rest of your lives. Create the wedding that you want to remember.” Sometimes, two or more traditions are blended to create a new tradition. The lei is a much loved part of Hawaiian ceremony and celebration. The lazo, a special kind of rosary used in Catholic weddings, is an important part of many Portuguese, Filipino, and Mexican weddings. In the past several years, I have seen a beautiful blending of these traditions. The
rosary is replaced by a lei which is wound about the clasped hands of the bride and groom, or placed around both of their necks, linking them together. Today’s couples have the opportunity to interview a number of wedding officiants before deciding on which one will best help them to create their own unique ceremony. I encourage couples to take advantage of this. Whatever traditions and customs a couple are heir to, in the end, a wedding should be an expression of their love for each other and their dreams and hopes for their future together. ❖ Leilehua Yuen is a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner, historian, author, artist, kumu hula, and kahu, licensed to officiate marriages in the state of Hawai‘i. Contact photographer Robert Malovic: KonaWeddingPhotography.com Contact Leilehua Yuen: Leilehua@LeiManu.com
Water ceremony performed by Reverend Alalani Hill Kula Botanical Gardens photo courtesy Michelle Jones
Bibliography . Beamer, Winona; Interviews, 1997-2007 . Beckwith, Martha: Hawaiian Mythology
. Carando, Joanne; Hawaiian Royal Incest, A Study in the Sacrificial Origin of Monarchy . Diamond, Milton, PhD; Sexual Behavior in Pre Contact Hawai‘i: A Sexological Ethnography . Finney, Ben; Surfing in Ancient Hawai‘i . Gutmanis, June; Na Pule Kahiko, Ancient Hawaiian Prayers
. Handy, ES and Pukui, Mary Kawena; The Polynesian Family System in Kā‘ū . ‘I‘i, John Papa; Fragments of Hawaiian History . Kamakau, Samuel; Ruling Chiefs of Hawai‘i
. Kamakau, Samuel; The People of Old . Kamakau, Samuel; Tales and Traditions of the People of Old . Kamakau; Samuel; The Works of the People of Old . Kanahele, George S; Emma: Hawai‘i’s Remarkable Queen . Malo,David; Hawaiian Antiquities . Thrum,Thomas G; Hawaiian Folktales . Westervelt, WD; Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
photo courtesy Robert Malovic Photography
31
トラディショナル ハワイアン ウェディング （カヒコ ウェディング）
Traditional Hawaiian Weddings translated for our Japanese readers.
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
by Leilehua Yuen (リリフア ユアン) ハ ワイ州公認カフ （結婚式の司祭） ハワイ文化の伝承者、歴史 家、作家、 アーティスト、 クムフラ
32
今日の、美しくロマンチックなハワイアンウェディングは、多 様な文化や伝統が織り込まれています。同時に新郎と新婦の人 柄や、彼らの希望を組み込んでつくりあげる特別な式でもあり ます。現代におけるハワイのウェディングにはヨーロッパやアメ リカ、 アジア、 アフリカ、 そしてポリネシアなどの伝統が取り入れ られています。私は司祭者として、 カップルたちに依頼され、 それ ぞれの文化や信仰をとりいれた式をつくりあげるお手伝いをさ せていただいています。両者と話し合い、 デザインさせていただ いた式には、燃えおどる松明の炎とホビ族の水瓶、 ハワイアン 式の結婚式と神道の盃の儀式、 メキシコのロザリオのコード （ラ ゾ） と、 ハワイの花のレイを同時に行うなどの独創的な結婚式が あります。 ハワイの島々は多くのロマンスがあることで知られており、 古代の物語の数々は、誘惑やロマンチックな興味をそそるよ うなテーマに基づいて伝えられていることが多いですが、西洋 式の結婚がハワイの文化にとりいれられるようになったのは 1820年以降からのことです。 古くには、現在のような結婚式に匹敵するものはありませ んでした。今日のような結婚というカタチは存在しなかったので す。行政の許可も、法的な要求も、 もちろん離婚もありませんで した。一人の男性と一人の女性が「他をすべて見放し、 お互いに 忠実に」 すべきという期待もありませんでした。高い地位にある チーフたちは一夫多妻制や一妻多夫制をとり、 男女ともに、何の 理由が無くとも、 それぞれいつでも自由にパートナーを替えるこ とが出来ました。 お互いに、夫婦関係に生産性が無くなったと感 じれば、彼らは単純に別の道へと進みました。子供たちは大家 族で育てられていたので、夫婦が別れても、子供達の人生に影 響を与えることは、 ほとんどありませんでした。 ハワイ語のマカアイナナ （土地の人） という、 いわゆる一般 の人々は、島から島、地域から地域、家族から家族で別々の伝統 を引き継いでいました。 「結婚」 とは、同じマットで寝て、家庭を 築いていくという単純な決めごとの場合であったり、二つの家族 が互いに集い、贈り物をしあい、 アハアイナというご馳走でもっ て祝う宴を催すことでもありました。現代では、 このような慣習 法に基づく結婚は、 ノホプー、 とよばれています。 お互いへの執着が少なかったため、嫉妬は稀でした。 しか し、 そのような感情は存在し、恋愛を語るいくつかの伝説では、
嫉妬が争いのもとであっとも描かれています。例えば「カハラオ プナ」 の伝説であるルウキアで伝えられています。 もちろん中に は、互いに生涯の愛を貫く人々もいました。 これらの関係もまた 歌と物語の中で扱われています。代表作のオヒアとレフアの伝 説や英雄ウミとクラメアの伝説は、心に響くロマンチックストー リーです。 求愛 各家庭によって違いはありますが、好きな娘の家族のため に、青年が、魚捕りの腕前やや、見事な野菜を収穫出来ることを 示すことが、典型的な求愛の始まりと言えるかもしれません。青 年は、彼女の家の男性たちの、 日々の仕事を手伝うことに多くの 時間を費やし始めます。 もし娘の家族が、青年の同席を喜んだ なら、彼はイム （ハワイの伝統的料理） の準備を手伝い、 それを 食べるために滞在することになります。 そうして、彼は自分の家 に戻らなくなり、恋人の家族の一員として、 そこに残るようにな ります。彼らの愛情関係は、家族の発展の自然な一部とみなさ れるのです。 おそらく、 もっとも有名なハワイの伝統的求愛に、 バンブー ノーズフルートを吹くことがあります。青年は、 その土地にある、 楽器を作るのに適した竹からフルートを形づくり、独特の曲を 作ります。彼らはその曲を、特別な相手のために奏でます。 そし て、 その曲を聞き分けることが出来るのは、特別な相手、 ただ1 人でした。時には、若い娘たちも自分のためにノーズフルートを つくり、 デュエットをしたり、相手を呼んだり、答えたりするため にフルートを吹きました。 他の物語では、最愛の人にだけでなく、 その祖父母にもレイ を手づくりする恋人について語っています。 つまり、 クプナ （年配 者） が言うように、相手の祖父母があなたを好いていれば、結婚 を助け、 サポートしてくれるかもしれないということです。 サーフィン競技にも求愛の役目があり、 ハワイの歴史と伝 説の要となる有名なロマンスのいくつかには、 はサーフィン大会 が関係しています。 男性も女性も、 ともに長く楽しむことが出来 き、体や板、 カヌーを使って、波に乗る技術を発揮し合いました。 マウイ島のサーフィンをする女性支配者、 ケレアのロマンス では、彼女の波乗りの技術がオアフ島のチーフ、 ロレアの注目を 浴びました。 しかし彼はサーファーではなく、 また海岸よりも涼 しい高台を好んでいました。 そこでケレアは彼のいとこでサーフ ァーの、 カラマクアと共に彼のもとを去りました。 時に、並外れた高い地位にある子供たちは、幼い頃から将 来の相手を決められています。家族の家系に熟練したカフナ （専 門家） が決定するならば、 それは幸運と言えるでしょう。 同性の関係も知られていました。 ワイピオ渓谷で高い位に あったチーフ、 リロアには、 男性の愛人がいましたが、公式な 「 妻」 で最高位の子供たちの母親と、彼の最も有名な息子ウミ （カ メハメハ パイエアの祖先） を産んだ別の女性と、連携をとらせ ていていました。 いくつかの物語の解釈では、彼の妻は、彼女自 身の家を所有したことを示しており、 リロアは彼の愛人と、 チー フとして年老いるまで、平和に暮らしたとありました。
Ho‘āo (marriage) ceremony with Kim and Sean Rupley, Officiant Kumu Leilehua Yuen photo courtesy Molly Irene McLaughlin Green Flash Photography Hawaii
For more information: Japan.KaaheleHawaii.com
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
式の全てで、子供たちに可能な限りのマナを与えることに 結婚式 集中しました。彼らの健康と成功はコミュニティ全体の成功を また同時に、 そこには西洋式の結婚式に匹敵するものはあ 収めることを意味するからです。聖な力を備えたことを保証する りませんでした。王族は結婚する際、 とても念入りな式を催すか ために、王族夫婦の子供たちに神の祝福を受けられるように願 もしれません。 しかしそれは夫婦の結束を捧げることを意味し いました。 たものではありませんでした。式では、 これらの子孫が完璧な体 これらハワイ式の結婚式は、場面と家族に応じて変化しま と心を持って生まれてくるように、 また偉大なマナ、 もしくは神聖 す。王族夫婦が、眠るための新しい家に付き添われ、純白のカパ な力を備えたことを保証するために、王族夫婦の子供たちに神 （木の皮で作った布） のシーツに一緒に包まれ、一族の司祭や の祝福を受けられるように願いました。 祈祷師が、同盟と子孫のために祈りと歌を奉納する、簡単なも これらハワイ式の結婚式は、場面と家族に応じて変化しま だったかもしれませんし、儀式用ギフトの交換や、王室の司祭た す。王族夫婦が、一族の司祭や祈祷師に付き添われ、眠るため ちと祈祷師、親戚や利害関係者を参加させ、盛大な宴のために の新しい家で、純白のカパ （木の皮で作った布） のシーツに一緒 十分な食べ物を準備し、数日におよぶ式を念入りに仕上げたか に包まれ、同盟と子孫のために祈りと歌を奉納するような、簡素 もしれません。 なもだったかもしれませんし、儀式用ギフトの交換や、王室の司 いくつかの家庭では、子供を妊娠するために、夫婦に新しい 祭たちと祈祷師、親戚や利害関係者を参加させ、盛大な宴のた 家を建てます。 これは以前から利用されている建物の消極的な めに十分な食べ物を準備し、数日におよぶ式を念入りに仕上げ マナ （力） が子供に影響を及ぼす可能性を妨ぐためでした。夫婦 たかもしれません。 が新しいカパに包まれること、新しい皿に食べ物を盛ることも同 いくつかの家庭では、子を生すため、夫婦に新しい家を建 （ベッド） や寝るためのマットが、偉 てます。 これは以前から利用されている建物の消極的なマナが、 じ理由です。曾祖母のモエナ 子供に影響を及ぼす可能性を妨ぐためでした。夫婦が新しいカ 大なマナ （力） を持つのたくさんの子供たちの誕生を見ていた場 パに包まれること、新しい皿に食べ物を盛ることも同じ理由で 合、時に、家宝として使用されるかもしれません。 す。曾祖母のモエナ （ベッド） や寝るためのマットが、偉大なマナ 式の全ての部分では、子供たちに可能な限りのマナを与え を持つ、 たくさんの子供たちの誕生を育んでいた場合、時に、家 ることに集中しました。彼らの健康と成功はコミュニティ全体の 宝として使用されたかもしれません。 成功を収めることになりました。❖
33
A Royal Wedding | By Leilehua Yuen
O
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
ne of the best documented royal weddings of Hawai‘i’s monarchy is that of Alexander Liholiho (King Kamehameha IV) and Emma Na‘ea Rooke. Their wedding captures the height of that romantic era in Hawai‘i’s history. On the morning of June 19, 1856, the Hawaiian government declared a public holiday. Honolulu’s streets were covered in rushes and grass to keep down the dust. Soldiers stood at attention, lining the street’s sides. Led by a cavalry escort, several carriages drove out in procession down King Street. One carried the bride and her three bridesmaids, Victoria Kamāmalu, Lydia Kamaka‘eha (who would later be known as Lili‘uokalani), and Mary Pitman. The other carriage bore the king, his brother, Lot, and their father, Kekūanao‘a. These royal carriages were flanked by kāhili bearers on foot, protecting the mana of their charges with the stately feathered emblems of rank. Uniformed aides-de-camp on horseback followed their king. The procession closed with more of the cavalry escort. The route was thronged with spectators, and a local newspaper noted that many of the Hawaiians, in a return to ancient custom, prostrated themselves as their chief passed by, “until their foreheads touched the ground.” Arriving at Kawaiaha‘o Church, 500 people filled the building, and another 3,000 thronged outside. It was possibly the first recorded interdenominational wedding in Hawai‘i. The Anglican service was held in the Congregational church, where the Reverend Richard Armstrong performed it in Hawaiian and English. As grooms have done before and since, the young king forgot the wedding ring. Fortunately, Chief Justice Elisha Allen quietly slipped his own gold band to the king, and the ceremony continued.
34
The bride’s Parisian wedding gown showed the influence of Queen Victoria’s choice of white, which had set the fashion world on end 16 years earlier. Since Victoria of England had worn her white satin and lace to marry Albert, anyone who was someone wanted white for her wedding. Emma’s elegant choice was of lustrous heavy white silk, trimmed with three richly embroidered flounces. Her veil of Brussels point lace was affixed to her hair by a garland of roses and orange blossoms. Her jewelry was a set of diamonds. After the ceremony, the royal pair returned to the palace and were toasted by the Diplomatic and Consular Corps. That evening, a royal ball and supper was held at the palace for 500 invited guests. While the palace and its grounds were decked out in lights, the new queen shone more brightly in an evening dress of lace embroidered in white silk and silver. Marabou feathers completed the ethereal effect. The new Queen of Hawai‘i was also a queen of fashion! At the end of the evening, fireworks from the summit of Puowaena (today known as Punchbowl) lit the night sky. Yet, the festivities were not over! The Americans, the Germans, and the Chinese business communities each gave a ball in honor of the royal couple, and the king reciprocated with yet another ball, which concluded the grand state festivities. Privately, Queen Emma’s parents, Dr. Rooke and his wife Grace, wishing to acknowledge those who had been part of Emma’s life, hosted a pā‘ina for their tenants, retainers, and household servants. At last, the royal couple was well and truly wed! ❖
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Winter/Spring 2015
35